Pacific Crest Trail Association - Preserving, Protecting and Promoting

Since 1977, the PCTA has protected, maintained,
and advocated for the Pacific Crest Trail.

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Saddle up

From trailhead conditions to tips on
safety and logistics

Take a hike

Trip basics to long-distance permits,
maps and gear

Latest News

State of the Trail: Southern California
2 weeks ago

Seeking Trail Information Data Collector volunteers
3 weeks ago

Here’s where to get a PCT hangtag in 2025
1 month ago

Welcoming back the Crest Runners for PCT '25
1 month ago

Featured

Project schedule

You don't want to be anywhere near a large wildfire. Photo by Mike Lewelling, National Park Service

How to react to wildfires

Trail closures

Photo of dog hiking on leash with backpack.

Hiking with dogs

When to hike the PCT

Fin Dome in Kings Canyon National Park. The Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail winding away.

Permits

PCT alumni thruhikers standing at the northern terminus on the Canadian border

Finishers and Alumni

Muir Hut in Kings Canyon National Park is being searched for a missing person during the winter. Photo courtesy of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

Emergency beacons, lost hikers, trip plans, and search and rescue

5-Needle Pines Community Science Project

America’s National Trails System

Buy our PCT book today. You'll love it. The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America’s Wilderness Trail is truly special. Published by Rizzoli. Written by Mark Larabee, Barney Scout Mann, with a forward from Cheryl Strayed.

Our book | The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America’s Wilderness Trail

A Changing PCT: Climate change is already altering the trail experience